Though we understand their circumstances may have been a bit different, like Oliver and his clan of orphan boys, we’ve all fallen into a daze dreaming of “food, glorious food” at one point or another.
After all, it’s been said that food is the great equalizer, connecting us and bringing us together, either with family or friends, colleagues or companions, or any others from all walks of life, to dine often at a communal table or gathering space wherein we share stories and reveal the most authentic parts of ourselves.
In our continued effort, however, to find our way into others’ hearts (and stomachs!), sometimes it helps to venture beyond our tables and into the kitchens of others — especially in a city with such a diversified abundance of eateries as New York.
And of course, you can’t spell “theatre” without “eat.”
So, in our food-based series, we continue to poll some of the Great Bright Way’s best to “dish” (get it?) on where they love to eat, drink, and take in the vibes either pre- or post-show, while also answering why they love to sup there, sharing a favorite dish or two, and more.
Today, we’re revisiting three of our past faves with the as-yet untamable, but altogether indefatigable – and to Chita Rivera Award-winning effect, at that! – Max Clayton, who’s currently featured as carnival rapscallion Danny Bailey in the 12-time Tony-nominated Schmigadoon!
A celebrated Broadway hoofer for the past decade plus, Clayton has tread the boards in Gigi, On the Town, Something Rotten!, Bandstand, Hello, Dolly!, Pretty Woman: The Musical, and Moulin Rouge: The Musical. He famously stood by for Hugh Jackman in the 2022 revival of The Music Man and recently donned the tux as silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn in Chicago. Other New York credits include A Chorus Line (Encores!), and TV/film work includes Kiss of the Spider Woman and Netflix’s White Noise.
But where does Clayton convene for a meal?
(228 W. 52nd St.)
Like another of our past participants, Clayton can’t get enough of Gallagher’s Steakhouse.
Founded in 1927 by former Ziegfeld girl & namesake Helen Gallagher, with the help of devoted gambler Jack Solomon, first as a speakeasy of sorts — where high-rollers and high society members to mingle and imbibe in the heat of Prohibition — Gallagher’s quickly established itself as a high-end, “new style of steakhouse” once the dry period ended and alcohol was legal.
The first of its kind on Broadway — and gearing up to celebrate 100 years in business in 2027 — it proudly caters to the New Yorkers of the moment, from sports legends and political figures to theatre celebs and movie stars, offering up that pulsing, “classic, old New York energy that makes the Theatre District feel special,” says Clayton.
For his part, declaring “there’s something iconic and timeless about sitting at the bar to grab dinner and a drink,” he adds, of the vibe, “Whether you’re celebrating a big day or just catching up with friends after a show, it’s just one of those places that always feels, and makes you feel, special.”
And a huge part of that feeling is the food. For the best bite, Clayton recommends the filet mignon (8oz or 14oz, grilled exclusively over hickory logs), with either the mashed potatoes or fries. “The steak is incredible,” he explains, while salivating, stating that it “somehow feels both elevated and comforting at the same time.”
Top it all off with one – “or more,” Clayton interjects – of their dirty martinis, and “it’s the perfect way to end a long day… with a perfect post-show meal and atmosphere.”
Looks like we’ve found the one thing – aside from Melissa, of course – that might finally tame him!
Gallagher’s Steakhouse is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:45am-10pm, and from 11:45am-11pm on Friday & Saturday.
(630 9th Avenue)
Appeasing eager eaters in Hell’s Kitchen since 2007, Nizza clearly means a lot to everyone; we’ve now profiled the Broadway-centric Italian trattoria a whopping four times.
But with good reason: “It’s incredibly cozy, and consistently great” in terms of food, says Clayton, for his part, and it’s constantly humming with “that perfect neighborhood Italian restaurant energy that instantly makes you feel at home.”
As for eats, the actor insists on attending Lasagna Thursdays, wherein the “mouthwatering” blend of veal, beef, and pork Bolognese, nestled between layers of white and green housemade pasta, smothered in béchamel, mozzarella, and parmesan — is sold exclusively until it runs out, and if you’re able to snag a slice, “you absolutely have to, because it’s fantastic,” Clayton instructs.
But should it run out — or should you visit on another day of the week — the Cacio e Pepe, served with butter, olive oil, parmesan, pecorino “and lots of black pepper,” is an equally worthy contender. Alongside a side of meatballs (natch), “it’s one of my favorite comfort meals in the city,” says Clayton.
Finish off the meal with the tiramisu, traditionally prepared espresso-soaked lady fingers layered in mascarpone. “It’s one of my absolute favorite desserts in the area. I can never leave [the restaurant] without it,” says Clayton, before adding, with a laugh: “I blame it on my Italian roots.”
Pro tip: In addition to Lasagna Thursdays, take advantage of their “Wine Wednesday” special, where patrons can “savor select bottles” for just $24, or their $12 Pasta Tuesdays, where a selection of the Italian delicacy (chef’s choice and subject to change) is served for just a Hamilton + $2 until 4pm.
But it’s not just this amazing food that keeps him coming back. Citing the staff, as much as the food, as one of the reasons he returns so frequently, Clayton comments: “They always treat me like family, and there’s something really special about having that kind of welcoming atmosphere in the middle of the Theatre District.”
The only other place that comes close to being as welcoming is, well... naturally, Schmigadoon.
Nizza is open for lunch Monday-Friday from 12pm-4pm, dinner Sunday-Tuesday 4pm-10:30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 4pm-11:30pm. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday from 11pm-4pm.
(403 W. 43rd Street)
Like some of our other previously polled panelists, Clayton favors Bea, the bustling Ninth Avenue bar, aptly named for the owners’ grandmother and in business since 2013, for a dynamic night out. Says the actor, “It’s stylish and lively, while still being relaxed and warmly welcoming.”
Tucked away from the lively Times Square hustle — “just enough that you can actually unwind there,” Clayton notes — Bea boasts such homey elements as exposed white brick walls, rustic wooden chairs, and warm Edison bulb lighting that makes “stepping into [the establishment] feel like…going back in time,” says one review.
“It has that downtown brasserie feel,” says another, “which is to say it’s cute and feels like a celebratory [place].”
All that notwithstanding, much like Nizza, the draw for Clayton is, again, partly the staff. Again, “They’re always so warm and attentive,” he compliments, “and they truly make you feel like you’re taken care of from the second you walk through the door.” They’re also “pros at accommodating theatregoers,” so no worries about being kept waiting if you’re heading to a show.
And then, of course, there’s the food. “I’m obsessed with their Green Pasta,” Clayton gushes, to that end. Boasting a spinach tagliatelle beneath marinated shrimp sautéed in a creamy garlic sauce (Clayton swaps the shrimp for grilled chicken, but still…), it’s “one of those dishes I crave constantly,” he adds, stating “it’s comforting, but still feels fresh, and that’s exactly what I want after a long day.”
“I also wholeheartedly recommend their Herb Roasted Chicken,” he continues. An Airline chicken breast served alongside toasted farro and fresh spinach, it’s finished with a mushroom crème sauce that Clayton describes as, simply, “to die for.”
Overall, “the [portions are] enough for everyone to indulge in, and then to walk away feeling satiated and satisfied,” concludes one final review. In other words, you just have to walk in, sit down… and enjoy the ride.
Bea is open 7 days a week from 5pm-2am, with brunch served Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm.
We’ll continue to present a new performer with a new restaurant and a new menu, so keep checking back to see who we poll and what’s on their mind at mealtime! Until next time, bon appétit!
